What happened
On August 31, 2015, a Cessna 172N, registration PR-ECK, was performing a local solo flight at Carlos Prates Aerodrome (SBPR) in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. After landing on runway 09, the pilot continued the rollout toward the end of the runway at heading 27. As the pilot attempted to vacate the runway via taxiway D, the left landing gear dropped into an uncovered and unlined stormwater drainage ditch located at the edge of the taxiway strip.
The incident caused the aircraft to become stuck at the intersection of runway 27 and taxiway D, obstructing the runway for approximately 15 minutes. The pilot, who had 170 total flight hours, was uninjured, though the aircraft sustained minor damage.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the physical condition of the aerodrome and the pilot's maneuvers. Investigators found that the drainage ditch, situated within the taxiway strip, was not lined, which failed to meet the safety requirements of RBAC 154. This regulation mandates that taxiway strips must be designed to protect aircraft and reduce damage in the event of an accidental excursion.
Furthermore, the investigation identified failures in aerodrome maintenance and monitoring. Under RBAC 153, aerodrome operators are required to monitor the physical condition of the airfield to identify hazards. The uncovered and unlined state of the ditch represented a latent danger. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was moved from the site without authorization from the investigation authority and that the operator failed to formally notify the investigation center (SERIPA III) of the occurrence.
Findings
- The pilot's uncovered drainage ditch was a critical infrastructure failure.
- The taxiway strip failed to function as a safety buffer due to the lack of lining in the drainage area.
- The pilot's flight experience (170 total hours) and a potentially wide turn while exiting the runway contributed to the gear entering the ditch.
- The aerodrome operator failed to implement adequate monitoring of the airfield's physical condition.
- The aircraft was moved from the scene prior to the arrival of investigators, violating established protocols.